Olmert and Peretz Must Go

In the wake of Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Dan Halutz’s resignation, many voices within Israel have begun to call for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Amir Peretz to leave their positions. I join in this chorus.

We can focus on the failures of the latest Lebanon war. We can point to the endemic corruption within Israel. But what is most striking to me is the comments coming not from within Israel, but from its enemies.

Senior Hamas legislator Mushir al-Masri said that Halutz's resignation and an imminent investigation against Olmert "prove the Zionist government is weak," and should spur Palestinians "to continue resistance and jihad."

Israeli Army Radio quoted Hezbollah as saying that the army chief's departure proved the Iranian-backed group's victory over Israel in second Lebanon war last year.

Israel needs to ensure that it does not lose its edge against its enemies. The Lebanon war this past summer was just a warm up for the bigger war, involving Iran, Syria and possibly others. The silver lining may read that it was a much needed wake up call, allowing Israel to prepare for the bigger military battles that await her. Israel cannot afford to labor through a tired, corrupt government that does not bolster the confidence of the nation. Israel needs to grow stronger, not more tired. Olmert and Peretz must go.